RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application makes reference to and claims priority from United States Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. -----, entitled "POWER CONDITIONING MECHANISM USING
AN EXTERNAL CARD ADAPTER", filed on September 24, 2003, the complete subject matter
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The application of technology has lead to significant improvements in the area of
portable computing devices. Additional functions and features may be realized through
the addition of external cards that may be easily inserted into a slot within the
portable computing device. For example, these external cards may comprise a PCMCIA
card such as an 802.11 b adapter allowing one to wirelessly surf the internet using
his laptop. In another example, a compact flash (CF/CF+) card may be used to enhance
or improve the capabilities of one's PDA.
[0005] A variety of external card form factors have been developed for mating with their
corresponding portable computing devices. As a result, a particular external card
may be suitable for insertion in one portable computing device but unsuitable for
insertion in another portable computing device. A user will often resort to purchasing
additional external cards to provide the same functional capabilities for each portable
computing device he uses. As a consequence, the number of external cards a user may
have to manage may be quite large, causing an inconvenience to the user. Furthermore,
the cost of purchasing additional cards that perform the same function is certainly
unappealing.
[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches
will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems
with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present
application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects of the invention provide for a system and method to effectively provide power
to an external add-on card that is connected to a host computer by way of an external
adaptor.
[0008] In one embodiment, a method involves providing conditioned power signals from an
external card adaptor to an external card by receiving one or more power signal inputs
from a host computing device, by conditioning the one or more power signals inputs
using a power conditioning circuitry to generate the conditioned power signals, and
by transmitting the conditioned power signals to the external card adaptor. In one
embodiment, the method includes a voltage conversion of the one or more power signal
inputs. The process of voltage conversion up-converts one or more voltages of the
one or more power signals inputs to increase power stored within the external card
adaptor. In one embodiment, the voltage conversion circuitry up-converts or down-converts
the one or more voltages of the one or more power signal inputs in order to deliver
appropriate voltage levels to the external card. In one embodiment, the power conditioning
circuitry includes one or more capacitors having a size that permits it to be used
as a charge reservoir. In another embodiment, the power conditioning circuitry utilizes
one or more bypass capacitors. In one embodiment, the external card connected to the
external card adaptor is a compact flash (CF/CF+) card.
[0009] In one embodiment, a system for providing conditioned power signals from an external
card adaptor to an external card includes a first connector for connecting the external
card adaptor to the external card, a second connector for connecting the external
card adaptor to a host computing device, a printed circuit board, and an adaptor frame
used for receiving the external card and securing the first connector, the second
connector, and the printer circuit board. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board
is characterized by a mapping circuitry that appropriately maps corresponding signals
between the external card and the host computing device.
[0010] In one embodiment, a power conditioning circuitry is used to condition one or more
power supply signal provided by the host computing device.
[0011] In another embodiment, a voltage conversion circuitry used to generate increased
charge within the external card adaptor.
[0012] The power conditioning circuitry may contain one or more large capacitors that act
as charge reservoirs or one or more passive components used to filter out noise in
the one or more power supply signals provided by the host computing device.
[0013] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a voltage level sensor that
monitors the power supply voltages delivered to the external card. In one embodiment,
the printed circuit board incorporates a voltage level sensor that monitors the power
supply voltages delivered to the external card. The voltage level sensor is capable
of sensing an inadequacy of power delivered to the external card so as to effectuate
a certain voltage level for a control signal that is used to enable the power conditioning
circuitry or the voltage conversion circuitry. According to an aspect of the invention,
a method of providing conditioned power signals from an external card adaptor to an
external card is provided, comprising:
receiving one or more power signal inputs from a host computing device; and
conditioning said one or more power signal inputs to generate said conditioned power
signals.
[0014] According to an aspect of the invention, a method of providing conditioned power
signals from an external card adaptor to an external card comprises:
receiving one or more power signal inputs from a host computing device;
conditioning said one or more power signal inputs to generate said conditioned power
signals; and
transmitting said conditioned power signals to said external card adaptor.
[0015] Advantageously, the method further comprises performing voltage conversion of said
one or more power signal inputs.
[0016] Advantageously, said voltage conversion up-converts one or more voltages of said
one or more power signals inputs to increase power stored within the external card
adaptor.
[0017] Advantageously, said voltage conversion circuitry up-converts or down-converts one
or more voltages of said one or more power signal inputs in order to deliver appropriate
voltage levels to said external card.
[0018] Advantageously, said conditioning said one or more power signal inputs uses a power
conditioning circuitry, said power conditioning circuitry comprises one or more capacitors
characterized by a size suitable for use as a charge reservoir.
[0019] Advantageously, said conditioning said one or more power signal inputs uses a power
conditioning circuitry, said power conditioning circuitry comprises one or more bypass
capacitors.
[0020] Advantageously, said external card comprises a CF card or CF+ card.
[0021] Advantageously, conditioning said one or more power signal inputs comprises filtering
said one or more power signal inputs using one or more passive electrical components
to eliminate noise.
[0022] According to an aspect of the invention, a method of supplying power to an external
card that is communicatively connected to a host computing device by way of an adaptor
comprises:
receiving one or more input power signals from said host computing device by said
adaptor;
converting one or more voltages of said one or more input power signals in order to
increase power stored in said adaptor; and
conditioning said one or more input power signals.
[0023] Advantageously, conditioning said one or more power signal inputs comprises filtering
said one or more power signal inputs using one or more passive electrical components
to eliminate noise.
[0024] According to an aspect of the invention, a system for providing conditioned power
signals from an external card adaptor to an external card comprises:
a first connector for connecting said external card adaptor to said external card;
a second connector for connecting said external card adaptor to a host computing device;
a printed circuit board capable of implementing power conditioning functions; and
an adaptor frame used for receiving said external card and securing said first connector,
said second connector, and said printer circuit board.
[0025] Advantageously, said printed circuit board comprises a mapping circuitry that appropriately
maps corresponding signals between said external card and said host computing device.
[0026] Advantageously, the system further comprises a power conditioning circuitry used
to condition one or more power supply signals provided by said host computing device.
[0027] Advantageously, the system further comprises a voltage conversion circuitry used
to generate increased charge within said external card adaptor.
[0028] Advantageously, said power conditioning circuitry comprises one or more large capacitors
that act as charge reservoirs.
[0029] Advantageously, said power conditioning circuitry comprises one or more passive components
used to filter out noise from said one or more power supply signals provided by said
host computing device.
[0030] Advantageously, the system further comprises a voltage conversion circuitry used
to generate increased charge within said external card adaptor.
[0031] Advantageously, said printed circuit board comprises a voltage level sensor that
monitors the power supply voltages delivered to said external card.
[0032] Advantageously, said voltage level sensor is capable of sensing an inadequacy of
power delivered to said external card so as to effectuate a certain voltage level
in a control signal that may be used to enable said power conditioning circuitry or
said voltage conversion circuitry.
[0033] Advantageously, the power conditioning functions comprise filtering said one or more
power signal inputs using one or more passive electrical components to eliminate noise.
[0034] [14] These and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present invention,
as well as details of illustrated embodiments, thereof, will be more fully understood
from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Figure 1 is a relational block diagram of a system comprising an external card adapter
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] Figure 2 is a detailed relational block diagram of an exemplary CF+ card adaptor
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Aspects of the present invention may be found in a system and method to effectively
provide conditioned power to an external add-on card that is communicatively connected
to a host computer by way of an external adaptor. The external adaptor comprises power
conditioning circuitry and optional voltage conversion circuitry that facilitates
the generation of an improved power source to the external card. The external adaptor
establishes a secure physical connection of the external card to the host computer,
facilitates communication of the external card to the host computer, and provides
a power source that meets or exceeds the operating power requirements of the external
card. The system and method facilitates the use of an external card having a connector
that is incompatible with the PC card connector provided by the host computing device.
For example, aspects of the present invention may allow a portable laptop computer
having a PCMCIA connector (a specific type of PC card connector), to connect to and
adequately power a compact flash (CF/CF+) card. Typically, a user uses the compact
flash (CF/CF+) card with an exemplary handheld device such as a pocket PC or PDA.
The user inserts the compact flash card into the handheld device to increase available
memory. The external adaptor may facilitate connection of the exemplary laptop to
an external card such as a compact flash (CF/CF+) card, secure digital (SD) memory
card, PCMCIA card, wireless 802.11 b card, modem card, or any other type of card which
may be incompatible to the PC card connector provided by the host computing device.
Aspects of the present invention allow a previously incompatible external card to
seamlessly connect to a host computing device, and to properly function by way of
using the external adaptor. Aspects of the present invention obviate performance issues
that may be related to insufficient power supplied to an external card due to current
limitations posed a by host computing device's external card or PC card connector.
[0038] Figure 1 is a relational block diagram of a system comprising an external card adapter
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The external card adapter comprises
an adaptor frame 100, a mating connector to host computing device 104, an external
card connector 108, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 112. As shown, an external card
(which is not part of the system) is partially inserted into the external card adapter,
in order to illustrate the external card adapter.'s mechanism of operation. The adaptor
frame 100 may comprise a material such as a plastic, that is compatible with any environmental
condition generated by a host computing device. The adapter frame 100 firmly houses
or secures the PCB 112, the mating connector to host computing device 104, and the
external card connector 108 together. At one end, the external card adapter connects
to the host computing device's external card connector by way of its mating connector
to host computing device 104. At the other end, an external card may be inserted into
a recess of the adaptor frame 100, as shown in Figure 1, and connected to the external
card by way of the external card connector 108. The external card connector 108 may
comprise one of many connectors configured for mating with one or more types of external
cards. In one embodiment, one or more connecting pins residing within the external
card connector 108 may be reconfigured to mate with the one or more types of external
cards. The one or more types of external cards may be characterized by different form
factors and pin layouts. The host computing device mating connector 104 and the external
card connector 108 may comprise a number of conductive connecting pins seated within
their respective connectors. The host computing device mating connector 104 may comprise
any type of mating connector compatible to the connector provided by the host computing
device. The printed circuit board 112 may comprise a mapping circuitry that connects
corresponding signals between the external card and the host computing device. For
example, in one embodiment, the circuitry may comprise electrically conductive traces
on a PCB that maps corresponding pins of the two connectors 104, 108. Further, the
printed circuit board 112 comprises a power conditioning circuitry used to condition
one or more power signals provided by the host computing device. The power signals
may be characterized as voltages that are capable of supplying a specified amount
of current. The power conditioning provided by the power conditioning circuitry generates
conditioned power signals to the external card that will satisfy its power requirements.
The power conditioning circuitry may, for example, provide the external card with
a power source that exceeds the external card's instantaneous power requirements.
In one embodiment, the power conditioning circuitry may be selectively enabled by
way of a switch positioned on the external card adapter. In one embodiment, the printed
circuit board 112 may intelligently sense that the power delivered to the external
card is insufficient for normal operation. As a consequence, electrical components
within the printed circuit board 112 may enable or activate the power conditioning
circuitry. The printed circuit board 112 may comprise electrical components capable
of sensing an inadequacy of power delivered to the external card, thereby effectuating
a particular voltage in a control signal that may enable the power conditioning circuitry.
In one embodiment, the external card adaptor may be configured to generate an indication,
such as by way of illuminating an LED, when the power conditioning circuitry is enabled.
In general, the power conditioning circuitry comprises any intelligent circuitry capable
of effectuating the delivery of conditioned power signals to the external card by
the host computing device, by way of the host computing device mating connector 104.
The power conditioning circuitry may comprise any number of electrical components
configured in a way to effectively clean, stabilize, or filter the power signals delivered
to the external card. In one embodiment, the power conditioning circuitry may comprise
passive components such as capacitors and/or resistors. The power conditioning circuitry
may employ bypass capacitors or other low pass filters in order to provide an improved
direct current power source to the external card. In one embodiment, the printed circuit
board 112 may contain a voltage conversion circuitry. The voltage conversion circuitry
may optionally up-convert and/or down-convert voltages in order to supply the appropriate
levels of power supply voltages to an external card. In addition, the voltage conversion
circuitry may optionally up-convert voltage levels within the external card adaptor
in order to facilitate storage of maximum power within the external card adaptor.
The voltage conversion circuitry may facilitate a voltage up-conversion of the power
supply voltages received by the mating connector to host computing device 104. As
a consequence, one or more capacitors located within the power conditioning circuitry
may store increased charge. The increased charge will be used to power the external
card that is attached to the external card adaptor. In one embodiment, the voltage
conversion circuitry may be used to facilitate the transfer of power from the external
card adaptor to the external card by way of the external card connector 108. As a
result of these techniques, an adequate amount of power is capable of being delivered
to the external card. Additional details regarding the power conditioning circuitry
and voltage converter will be discussed in relation to Figure 2.
[0039] Figure 2 is a detailed relational block diagram of an exemplary CF+ card adaptor
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In reference to this embodiment,
the external card that connects to the CF+ card adaptor comprises an exemplary CF+
card while the host computer provides a PCMCIA connector. In the embodiment shown
in Figure 2, the CF+ card adaptor comprises a CF+ card adaptor frame 200, a mating
connector to host computing device 204 (i.e., a mating connector to the host computing
device's PCMCIA card connector), a CF+ connector 208, a printed circuit board (PCB)
212, a power conditioning circuitry 216, and a voltage conversion circuitry 220. The
power conditioning circuitry 216 and the voltage conversion circuitry 220 may be implemented
on the printed circuit board (PCB) 212. As described in Figure 1, the PCB 212 may
intelligently sense that the power delivered to the CF+ card is insufficient for proper
operation. As a consequence, electrical components within the printed circuit board
212 may enable or activate the power conditioning circuitry. The printed circuit board
212 may comprise electrical components capable of sensing an inadequacy of power delivered
to the external card, thereby effectuating a certain voltage level (such as a digital
0 or 1) of a control signal that may be used to enable the power conditioning circuitry.
As described in Figure 1, the CF+ card adapter may comprise a mapping circuitry that
appropriately maps corresponding signals between the CF+ card and the host computing
device. In one embodiment, the circuitry may comprise electrically conductive traces
on a PCB that maps corresponding signals between the two connectors 204, 208. As shown
in Figure 2, the exemplary CF+ card slides into a suitable recess provided by the
CF+ card adapter frame 200, guiding the CF+ card into the CF+ card connector 208.
Also shown are one or more conductive Vcc power supply paths 224 originating from
the mating connector to host computing device 204 and terminating at the power conditioning
circuitry 216. These Vcc power supply paths 224 receive power provided by the host
computing device. In addition, a conditioned Vcc power supply path 228 distributes
conditioned power from the voltage conversion circuitry 220 to the CF+ connector.
The conditioned Vcc power supply path 228 may provide power signals that have been
processed by the power conditioning circuitry 216 and the voltage conversion circuitry
220. As shown, the Vcc power may be distributed from the power conditioning circuitry
216 to the voltage conversion circuitry 220. For example, the Vcc power delivered
from the host through the mating connector 204 may supply the voltage conversion circuitry
220 by way of the power conditioning circuitry 216. In one embodiment, the voltage
conversion circuitry 220 effects a voltage conversion of the voltage supplied to the
power conditioning circuitry 216 by way of one or more conductive paths provided by
the power conditioning circuitry 216 to the voltage conversion circuitry 220. In one
embodiment, the voltage conversion comprises a voltage up-conversion to facilitate
an increased charge to be stored in one or more capacitors located within the power
conditioning circuitry 216. The voltage conversion circuitry 220 may up-convert and/or
down-convert voltages, as required, in order to maximize the power stored within the
PCB 212. As a result, an adequate amount of power reserve is stored within the CF+
card adaptor for eventual delivery to the CF+ card. In one embodiment, the power conditioning
circuitry 216 and the voltage conversion circuitry 220 may be selectively enabled
by way of intelligent circuitry residing on the PCB 212. The intelligent circuitry
may comprise a voltage level sensor that monitors the power supply voltages delivered
to the exemplary CF+ card. For example, the voltage level sensor may trigger use of
either the power conditioning circuitry 216 or the voltage conversion circuitry 220
when a power supply voltage delivered to the CF+ card reaches an undesirable level.
In another embodiment, a mechanically or electrically controlled switch enables the
voltage conversion circuitry 220. In one embodiment, one or more indicators may be
used to indicate when the power conditioning circuitry 216 and/or voltage conversion
circuitry 220 are enabled. The one or more indicators may comprise LEDs located in
the CF+ card adapter, a software generated indicator that is displayed by way of a
monitor at the host computing device, or any other electrically induced indicator.
When applied, the voltage conversion circuitry 220 up-converts or down-converts the
voltages of power signals within the CF+ card adapter in order to maximize the power
stored within the CF+ card adaptor. For example, the voltage conversion circuitry
220 may up-convert the voltages of the power signals in order to capture more power
from the host computing device given a maximum current limitation of the connector
of the host computing device. Prior to transmitting the power signals to the CF+ card,
the voltage conversion circuitry 220 may down-convert the voltage to levels required
by the CF+ card.
[0040] The power conditioning circuitry 216 may comprise any number of electrical components
configured in a way to effectively clean, stabilize, or filter the power signals delivered
to the exemplary CF+ card. In one embodiment, the power conditioning circuitry 216
may comprise passive components such as capacitors and/or resistors. In one embodiment,
the power conditioning circuitry 216 may comprise one or more "super" capacitors that
act as reservoirs of charge. These large capacitors provide a stable source of power
to the CF+ card during transient or instantaneous power surge occurrences. In one
embodiment, bypass capacitors may be used at various points along the PCB 212 to filter
out noise that may be present in the power supply signals provided by the host computing
device.
[0041] Although the embodiment of Figure 2 describes a CF+ card adapter, it is contemplated
that in additional embodiments, other types of external cards may be adapted for use
by the present invention. It is contemplated that the circuitry residing on the PCB
may be appropriately configured for use with external cards of different form factors
and power requirements. In summary, the signal conduction paths and electrical components
of the printed circuit board (PCB), the power conditioning circuitry, and voltage
conversion circuitry, as previously described in the preceding embodiments may be
configured to satisfy the operational requirements of the external card used.
[0042] While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and
equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention.
In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material
to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it
is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
1. A method of providing conditioned power signals from an external card adaptor to an
external card comprising:
receiving one or more power signal inputs from a host computing device; and
conditioning said one or more power signal inputs to generate said conditioned power
signals.
2. The method of Claim 1 further comprising transmitting said conditioned power signals
to said external card adaptor.
3. The method of Claim 1 or 2 further comprising performing voltage conversion of said
one or more power signal inputs.
4. The method of Claim 3 wherein said voltage conversion up-converts one or more voltages
of said one or more power signals inputs to increase power stored within the external
card adaptor.
5. The method of Claim 3 or 4 wherein said voltage conversion up-converts or down-converts
one or more voltages of said one or more power signal inputs in order to deliver appropriate
voltage levels to said external card.
6. A method of supplying power to an external card that is communicatively connected
to a host computing device by way of an adaptor. comprising:
receiving one or more input power signals from said host computing device by said
adaptor;
converting one or more voltages of said one or more input power signals in order to
increase power stored in said adaptor; and
conditioning said one or more input power signals.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein conditioning said one or more power signal inputs comprises
filtering said one or more power signal inputs using one or more passive electrical
components to eliminate noise.
8. A system for providing conditioned power signals from an external card adaptor to
an external card comprising:
a first connector for connecting said external card adaptor to said external card;
a second connector for connecting said external card adaptor to a host computing device;
a printed circuit board capable of implementing power conditioning functions; and
an adaptor frame used for receiving said external card and securing said first connector,
said second connector, and said printer circuit board.
9. The system of Claim 8 wherein said printed circuit board comprises a mapping circuitry
that appropriately maps corresponding signals between said external card and said
host computing device.
10. The system of Claim 8 or 9 further comprising a power conditioning circuitry used
to condition one or more power supply signals provided by said host computing device.